2. digital
  3. 173571-168630

Aqua 'La Diva' ($9k) or Gryphon 'Ethos' ($39k) versus. Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T ($3k)?

What sensible rationale is there for buying either of the two above-mentioned VERY COSTLY CD spinners (Aqua ’La Diva,’ a CD-only transport, and the Gryphon ’Ethos,’ a CD player with built-in DAC) when we can get the same pure Red-Book CD digital output from the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T for FAR less money?

What is a potential buyer getting for their significantly increased expenditure other than fancy packaging and possibly a boost to their egos from ownership of a prestige brand-name item? The one component (and a crucially-significant one at that) which all three of these products have in common is the new Philips-based Stream Unlimited CD Pro 8 CD player mechanism. Aside than that, what one appears to get with the two far-higher-priced components is little more than pure window-dressing, not substantive gains in performance over the CD Box RS2 T.

It is little wonder that one reviewer of the RS2 T thinks of it as nothing less than a "giant killer," in that it makes it nearly impossible for any level-headed purchaser, even one with the means to spend lavishly, to rationalize spending thousands of dollars more on these two competing products (or on others like them) when one can get the same sonic results (which from most reports are splendid) from the humble little CD Box.

Any thoughts? Do we audiophiles finally have good reason to come to our buying senses? To me, Pro-Ject Audio Systems may have struck a true winning vein with their CD Box when prospecting for gold.

128x128erictal4075
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

My goodness!

I returned to this thread this morning and what  in the world has happened in the interim? I was looking forward to further insightful discussion about the implementation of the excellent Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive into various CD transports. What ever I missed last night on this thread, well, glad I wasn't around. 

If the original topic ever resurfaces my take is the Pro-ject RS2T sounds stunningly good based on my listening to it. I'm very interested to know how the very attractive Aqua Hifi La Diva 2 CD transport  extends the sonic performance beyond the RS2T.  I'm making the assumption that it does.

My impression is these are both excellent choices at their respective price points. I'd love the opportunity to hear them side by side into the same DAC, would be fun and informative. 

Charles 

facten
2,878 posts
 

+1 Charles, be interested in reading comments of a side by side comparison.

 

 

 

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,450 posts
 

I don’t know why Gryphon Ethos is part of this discussion. As a one box solution, Gryphon Ethos with a built in DAC is a ultimate choice for anyone with means. On a scale of 10, it’s a 11 once you consider its aesthetics and performance. I’m not trying to justify its asking price but one shouldn’t overlook its intended audience.
I would put Ethos right next to the likes of analog player’s from Tech Das :-)

As far as La Diva, one needs to hear La Diva with Formula xHD DAC to appreciate its virtues especially through their proprietary i2S AQLink.

I am sure RS2 offers great value and performance. And it’s performance can be further enhanced and appreciated by the associated DAC’s….and folks, when it comes to DAC, sky is the limit in terms of performance and price.

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 

I wish I had the disposable income to try them both out and see for myself. That's the part of being an audiophile that's left out of the discussion of what it means to be one: the detective work.

It's the curiosity of what can be, of what lies around the corner that can make this a better and more fulfilling experience. For a true audiophile, it's not one and done. It's the process.

All the best,
Nonoise

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@lalitk

I am sure RS2 offers great value and performance. And it’s performance can be further enhanced and appreciated by the associated DAC’s….and folks, when it comes to DAC, sky is the limit in terms of performance and price.

That is precisely the point of this type of discussion. The impact a high quality transport contributes when paired to a high quality DAC (Same point can be made for the impact of High quality music servers).

I don’t accept the premise that it is  merely "all" about the DAC as some believe. What’s feeding the signal to the DAC has a vital role. "Bits are bits" sounds cute but there is so much more to the process that really matters and influences the ultimate sound quality of this digital signal chain. Transports and servers are crucial partners and their level of quality matters.

Charles

 

More to discover